Lighter, better and in the shops now say the Italian boot maestros.
Asolo boots are becoming increasingly popular in the UK
with the lightweight Fugitive and Stinger models
literally walking out of the shops. This spring they're joined by a
new lightweight walking boot called Matrix that Asolo says
should work even better. Other new boots too...
The Matrix Reloaded...
The Fugitive - see our review
- has become a real OM favourite and we've used it on pretty much any
terrain that doesn't require crampons, but the buzz for this spring
is the Matrix Series, Flame - below - and Atlantis.
The new boots are recognisably from the same design stable as the
Fugitive, with neat, contemporary European styling, but the sole
construction - the key to the boot's performance - has been
upgraded.
First there's a new sole unit featuring softer, grippier rubber
with wider-spaced, lightweight cleats for improved grip both on hard
and soft terrain. That's backed up with a shock-absorbing mid-sole
made from moulded EVA rubber, which is encased in a Polyurethane
coating to prevent rock damage.
Finally there's a cunning heel support made from dual density TPU
- stiff on the edges, soft in the middle - that sits in the heel of
the sole unit and is designed to give improved heel stability and
support.
The end result is a boot that weighs around 10 per-cent less than
the Fugitive, but should perform even better, which can't be bad. The
new boot retails for £120, Flame is the male version,
while Atlantis is a women's specific take on the same boot.
The Fugitive and Stinger have been so popular that they're still
going to be available in the UK however, so don't fret if you're
after a pair of those.
A Proper British Boot
Also available from the brand is a boot aimed specifically at good
old British winter hill and mountain walking. It's called the
Powermatic 500 which isn't the snappiest of names, but the
spec looks spot on for UK winter use.
We're talking full-grain leather with minimum stitching, a
Gore-Tex insert, the first ever triple-density mid-sole and Asolo's
patented Micro Pulley lacing system which allows the laces to move
enough to accommodate foot movements during the walking action. And
it takes a C1-rated crampon.
It looks a bit more traditional than the lightweight boots above,
but has had rave reviews from some of the magazines. Price for the
boot is £150 and it's available in a women's version and
a wide fit too. Watch out Scarpa...
Light And Technical
The Alpinist is a very lightweight technical alpine boot
which takes semi-automatic crampons, leather upper, Vibram sole and a
Gore-Tex insert. The sole unit's been pared down for maximum feel and
a low weight of 1780g per pair. Women's version available,
price is £170.
Finally, if you're after a really lightweight, full-on technical
mountaineering boot, then check out the Cholatse TH. It's
completely compatible with automatic, rigid crampons thanks to an
utralightweight, but totally rigid Carbon / Kevlar frame and a full
synthetic upper.
There's a Gore-Tex lining to keep feet dry, Primaloft insulation
for warmth and a Vibram outsole with dual-density mid-sole for
cushioning. Claimed weight is 1560 grammes for a men's size eight,
which is three-season walking boot territory and only around 180
grammes more than the Fugitive. That's bonkers and here it is...
If you're not familiar with Asolo and about to re-boot, then the
brand's definitely worth adding to your list. They're using a lot of
interesting techniques and in our experience the boots work very
well.
More information at www.asolo.com.
Bear in mind that not everything in the range is available in the UK,
though the new boots mentioned above are in the shops right now.
